Illinois quick hits: O’Fallon man allegedly work with cartel; most dangerous for nursing home safety
O’Fallon man allegedly work with cartel
High-ranking members of the Sinaloa Cartel are among 26 defendants facing federal charges for their alleged involvement in trafficking hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine into southern Illinois and laundering the proceeds to Mexico.
Earl Frank, 56, of O’Fallon, Illinois is among the 26 defendants who allegedly participated in the cartel-sourced drug distribution pipeline.
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the indictment is a significant blow to the Sinaloa Cartel’s infrastructure.
Most dangerous for nursing home safety
According to a new study, Illinois is the most dangerous state in the nation for nursing home safety violations.
Anidjar & Levine found that Illinois had 2,300 penalties among its 682 certified nursing facilities.
Total fines reached $78.4 million for an average of $115,000 per facility.
Blue Ribbon Schools announced
A record-breaking number of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago have met the criteria for the National Blue Ribbon School Award, given by the U.S. Department of Education.
Ten schools were informed in August that they would receive the honor. Several schools scheduled celebrations Thursday.
Latest News Stories
Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
District 210 Reports Insurance Deficit Amid National Healthcare Cost Spikes; Finances Remain Stable
Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
Joliet Junior College Board Approves $2 Tuition Increase Amidst Heated Debate Over Enrollment and Spending
Lincoln-Way Board Ratifies Three-Year Support Staff Contract with Significant Hourly Raises
Frankfort Seeks Public Vision for Downtown Urban Design
Green Garden Residents Seek Frankfort’s Support in Opposing 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
State of the College: Local Legislators Bolster Student Support Services
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for February 5, 2026
State of the College: Dual Credit Program Enrollment Hits 6,000 Students
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Finance Committee for February 3, 2026
Fairmont Neighborhood Plan Update Prioritizes Infrastructure and Beautification Following Demographic Shift